As we enter spring I would like to ask our members and associates to spend some time planning ahead to this years activities. Although the calendar says it is April, to many VDHA members, we are entering the fall and winter of our lives. I would like to ask everyone to perform some community service to remember our four legged buddies we left behind so many years ago. There are many opportunities to volunteer at animal shelters. Perhaps you could make a donation in memory of your past K9 partners? Let us not forget that we owe a debt of gratitude that hasn't been paid in full.
John Langley
04/02/13

Now Posted 

Click on "Reunion Info" for latest Update.

 
(This Photo is a Design 'Proof', and
is Copy-Write Protected)

 2013 VDHA Las Vegas Reunion

Pin Design Contest

CONGRATULATIONS

to our

CONTEST WINNER!

Ernie Ayala

This is Ernie's 2nd year in a row to win the Reunion Pin Design contest because he designed the New Orleans Reunion Pin, also!  Way to go, Ernie!

Click on "Reunion Info" for latest Update.

* * * * * Last Updated 05/13/13 * * * * *

             Last Updated 04/03/2013

A Sapper's Last Words

At last the objective is again in sight.

Nothing has changed since the other night.

Now all is left is to slip through and plant our package

The retreat quickly and view the carnage.

The sentries and dogs are not where they were before.

It seems we've been detected and danger is at the door.

We must shoot it out while others go another way.

It looks like this may be our final day.

I worked my way around the hill.

I tried to be so quiet and still.

I stood up suddenly to get a look.

And for just a second was all it took.

I saw his face as he saw mine.

And shots rang out. And shots rang out.....

By Chaplain Steve Janke - 2013

As a result, the VDHA has grown from six members to approximately 2000 members. Our membership consists of veteran war dog handlers and dog loving supporters of all ages and gender.

Many members have been featured in the print and film media, and during many of our nation's annually scheduled patriotic events. A significant achievement is the highly acclaimed TV documentary, "War Dogs, America's Forgotten Heroes."  We welcome the informational contributions of all dog handlers from all eras.

The VDHA was founded with three core objectives in mind:
• Educate the public of the accomplishments of dog handlers in the United States Armed Forces during the Vietnam Conflict and the dogs that served with them.
• Provide opportunities for the research and preparation of a detailed history of the use of dogs in the Vietnam Conflict.
• Locate and provide fellowship among dog handlers of all US Armed Services.

The VDHA continues to be a part of war dog memorial projects throughout the country. Some have since been dedicated and more are on the horizon.

Getting the US Postal Service to issue a War Dog Stamp that honors the service and sacrifice of the nation's war dogs is one of our goals.

Educating the public on what these incredible four-footed animals have done to save American lives on the battlefields of foreign Wars is always in the forefront of every effort we support or sponsor.

During every modern War, WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Persian Gulf, Bosnia, Afghanistan, and Iraq, men have volunteered to serve as "Dog Handlers." The military duty of having served with a dog in War is a bonding relationship and memorable experience like no other, that lasts a lifetime.